When asked if homosexuality is a disorder, Perry said people might have genetic coding to be more inclined to be gay, but individuals can choose not to be, similar to alcoholism.

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"Whether or not you feel compelled to follow a particular lifestyle or not, you have the ability to decide not to do that," Perry said at the Commonwealth Club of California, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

"I may have the genetic coding that I'm inclined to be an alcoholic, but I have the desire not to do that, and I look at the homosexual issue the same way."

Perry, who is not running for reelection, is seen a potential GOP candidate for president in 2016.

The questions came less than a week after the Texas GOP adopted a platform that endorses "reparative therapy and treatment for those patients seeking healing and wholeness from their homosexual lifestyle."

Similar therapy for minors has been banned in California and New Jersey, according to The Associated Press.

The Human Rights Campaign blasted his comments, saying every major medical organization has condemned the practice.

"Although he may not have the 'genetic coding' to think before he speaks, Rick Perry, M.D. should have a real conversation with actual doctors before voicing his expertise on these issues,” Human Rights Campaign spokesman Fred Sainz said in a statement.

In between his advocacy for expanding energy extraction, Perry also weighed in on Majority Leader Eric Cantor's (R-Va.) primary loss Tuesday night.

"Having been involved in elected office for 30 years now," Perry said. "It's pretty simple: Spend plenty of time in your home district."